Manchester United’s desperation to get out of their precarious financial situation is rearing its face in ugly ways and another player might face the brunt of it soon.
From starting the January window by putting Marcus Rashford up for sale, to nearing the end with even Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho on the “open to offers” list, it’s been quite a reality check.
It looks like a world away from Erik ten Hag starting the season with some clear untouchables in the squad, and players not being available for sale at any cost.
Once Mainoo’s name popped up, it was always likely that nobody was safe and now transfer insider Graeme Bailey has told United in Focus that he is about to be joined by another player who enjoyed “untouchable” status previously.
Man Utd receive Rasmus Hojlund enquiries
Rasmus Hojlund was expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Ruben Amorim’s arrival due to the manager’s work with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.
Instead, Hojlund is arguably under his worst nightmare at United right now with goals deserting him, his touch failing him, and the fans’ patience wearing thin.
Amorim has backed him for his intangibles, like his desire and passion for getting things right which is commendable, but United need more than just “want to succeed”.
At just 21, he has plenty of potential to improve and United could be looking to cut their losses while they can still sell teams on his potential.
Three teams have recently enquired about him and the feeling is that United are open to doing a deal on the right terms as the club assess his long-term future.
Transfer insider Graem Bailey told United in Focus: “Chelsea asked about Hojlund’s situation during the Alejandro Garnacho-Joao Felix talks. Napoli and Juventus also did the same.
“Hojlund long-term future is something that the club are assessing.”
Hojlund’s fall from grace
It wasn’t long ago that the picture of Mainoo, Garnacho, and Hojlund sitting together on the billboard was marked as the symbol of United’s bright future.
The trio was marked as pure untouchables in the transfer market under Erik ten Hag/Glazers and with this news, all three are on the “open to offers” list, if not on the “transfer list”.
To be fair to Hojlund, the club is open to offers for pretty much every member of the squad but to revoke the untouchable status of a 21-year-old signed less than 18 months ago is ruthless work.
Hojlund can’t even argue against it, as someone like Mainoo can because the Dane’s form has been tragic of late.
Showing continuous signs of improvement is impossible for a young player, but Hojlund looks to have gone backward. His dream spell at his boyhood club is giving him the toughest challenge yet of his career.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
